By The9jaTREND
The Federal Government has condemned the disruption of activities at the the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin, Edo State capital.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said the ministry was closely monitoring the situation.
Musawa said she had briefed the Presidency, which is giving the matter urgent attention.
According to the statement, the ministry is in active consultation with the Edo State Government, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to establish a full understanding of the circumstances and ensure an appropriate response.
“Our cultural institutions are custodians of Nigeria’s history, identity, and collective memory,” the minister said.
“They are spaces for learning, dialogue, and reconciliation. The reported disruption at MOWAA not only endangers a treasured cultural asset but also threatens the peaceful environment necessary for cultural exchange and the preservation of our artistic patrimony for future generations,” she added.
Musawa, however, cautioned against actions that could escalate tensions, reminding all parties that while the Constitution guarantees fundamental freedoms, such rights must be exercised responsibly.
“No right extends to the destruction or desecration of national cultural assets.
“Disputes must be resolved through constructive dialogue, lawful channels, and mutual respect rather than through destructive conduct,” she said.
Musawa reassured the MOWAA community and cultural stakeholders across Nigeria that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting spaces where the nation’s heritage is preserved and celebrated.
She said necessary measures would be taken to safeguard cultural institutions and uphold the rule of law, noting that culture can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, respect, and justice.
“This episode should strengthen our resolve that culture flourishes only in an environment of peace, respect, and justice.
“Let us recommit to safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural institutions and to resolving our differences through dialogue and mutual respect for the common good,” Musawa added.
The statement came in the wake of the controversy surrounding the MOWAA project.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, had decried what he said was a lack of transparency in the project.
He also set up a committee, chaired by a former governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, to ascertain the true legal and operational status of the museum.
Meanwhile Governor Monday Okoebholo has revoked the Statutory Right of Occupancy granted to EDO MUSEUM OF WEST AFRICA ART TRUST (EMOWAA) by the immediate past government of Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
The statement reads:
EDO STATE OF NIGERIA PUBLIC NOTICE
LAND USE DECREE 1978 REVOCATION OF STATUTORY RIGHTS OF OCCUPANCY PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 28 AND 38.
Revocation of Right of Occupancy and Compensation thereof in Pursuance to Section 28 of the Land Use Decree No. 6 of 1978 (Now an Act)
Notice is hereby given that in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Sections (28) 1 and 38 of the Land Use Decree No. 6 of 1978 and by virtue of all other laws enabling me on that behalf, I, SENATOR MONDAY OKPEBHOLO, the Governor of Edo State of Nigeria hereby revoke the Statutory Right of Occupancy granted to EDO MUSEUM OF WEST AFRICA ART TRUST (EMOWAA) LTD/GTE for over-riding public interest that is, to be given back to Central Hospital which is a heritage for the state as it has existed for over a 100 years and it is in respect of:
All that property known and referred to as digital Plot: No 61977, ZONE HI/Ai2/OGBOKA, Benin City in Oredo Local Government Area Of Edo State measuring an area of approximately 6.210 hectares. The boundaries of which are described in detailed survey at the back of the Certificate of Occupancy dated 28th day of November, 2022, which is registered as No. 169 at Page 3 in Volume 45 now kept in EDOGIS Lands Registry at Benin City, Edo State in favour of EDO MUSEUM OF WEST AFRICA ART TRUST (EMQWAA) LTD/GTE.
Dated 21st day of October, 2025.
SEN. MONDAY OKPEBHOLO,
Governor,